Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wastewater And Runoff topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Port says treated wastewater is discharged within permits; residents press concerns about runoff and manure application
Summary
Lucia Navarro of the Sunnyside Port District updated the advisory group on wastewater treatment and spray-field use, said the port discharges treated effluent to the canal and does not apply solids to spray fields, while committee members reported local concerns that liquid manure and runoff have caused localized contamination.
Lucia Navarro, representing the Sunnyside Port District, briefed the advisory team on industrial wastewater treatment and the port’s practices. She said the port treats industrial user water, discharges cleaned effluent to the drain/canal under its permit and has previously transferred water rights or foregone irrigation on spray fields during drought years.
“...we do not put solids on our spray fields,” Lucia said in response to committee concern that solids or liquefied manure had been applied to spray fields. She explained the port operates a dewatering facility for solids and that any liquefied manure applied to rented agricultural land would be applied by the renter, not the port. The port is evaluating a wastewater‑treatment plant expansion but does not expect implementation before 2027.
Committee members said local scientists and neighbors have observed runoff and what they described as over‑application of manure in some areas. One member said those observations conflict with state agency field checks and the port’s explanation. Port staff and another member noted that EPA and Department of Ecology inspections have not produced documented noncompliance in the episodes discussed.
Why it matters: Spray‑field and agricultural runoff are directly relevant to urban stormwater management, fish habitat and groundwater quality. Committee members asked staff to confirm whether solids are applied to spray fields and to clarify monitoring responsibilities and MS4 permit roles for the city and SVID.
Next steps: Staff agreed to double‑check spray‑field practices and monitoring records with the port and relevant state agencies, and to bring MS4/stormwater clarification to the next meeting. The committee also discussed inviting local scientists to brief members on particulate matter and runoff impacts.
Ending: The port said it is open to collaboration on conservation and fish‑flow programs and will provide requested clarifications to staff for the next meeting.
